On a sunny morning one day in June, Tien Le, commonly known as Thuy Tien, 42, from Da Nang, put on a beautiful dress, applied light makeup, and headed for her small tea shop in Lien Chieu district to welcome guests trying on dresses, sipping tea, and enjoying music.

She looked very beautiful and everything, from face to gesture, radiated feminity.

“My life has changed so much since I came out as my true self a year ago,” Tien said.

Tien realized she was a lesbian “trapped” in a male body at age 5 or 6. When she met her current wife, Nguyen Minh Anh Huy, she openly talked about her habit of wearing women’s clothes and wigs.

Understanding each other, they married and had two daughters. After eight years together, Tien decided to live authentically, with her wife’s support.

Over the past year, little has changed in their cozy home or the daily life of their family of four. Tien continues working as a software engineer, while Huy maintains her job, and their daughters remain well-behaved, loving both parents.

As before, Tien meticulously cares for every corner of their home. She cooks daily for her wife and kids, occasionally making fresh noodles or desserts for them to enjoy. The balcony, lush with flowers and plants, is lovingly tended by her.

The family atmosphere remains warm. Instead of a marital bond, Tien and Huy now share a close sisterly relationship, caring for and respecting each other.

Huy loves photographing her life partner. She once told Tien: “If you’re going to do this, go all the way—transition fully and be beautiful, no half-measures.” Over time, she hasn’t been disappointed.

Tien acknowledged emotional changes between them. “My wife is straight, so naturally, her feelings for me aren’t the same as before,” she said.

Yet both accepted this change. Tien compensates by devotedly nurturing their home.

Her daughters have grown accustomed to the new appearance. Their way of addressing her has shifted. “They no longer call me Dad but ‘Tien oi.’ When they see me in a beautiful dress, they always say I look pretty,” Tien said.

Tien’s mother-in-law wholeheartedly supported her coming out. That support has evolved into a mother-daughter-like bond.

Tien’s own mother, after an initial period of shock, gradually accepted her new identity. Now, they meet and chat openly.

“Luckily, since coming out, I haven’t faced any negative comments from family or friends. During meetings for ancestral ceremonies, relatives warmly welcome me,” Tien said.

Deep within, Tien feels a profound emotional shift. She’s happier, saying “I’ve never felt this joyful and fulfilled.”

Living authentically, caring for her appearance, and receiving compliments and encouragement have brightened her life. She never expected her new identity to be embraced so warmly.

A stunning transformation

Compared to a year ago when she first came out, Tien’s appearance has changed dramatically. She’s more feminine and refined, from her face to her figure.

She often shares artistic and everyday photos, earning praise for her youthful, feminine look. Over time, she has diligently exercised and maintained a balanced diet to stay in shape. When going out, she carefully styles her hair and applies light makeup, giving her a vibrant glow.

“Every morning, I wake up early to cook for my kids’ school lunches. Then I do my skincare, apply makeup, and take them to school before heading to work. I always make sure I look good when I step out,” she said.

Before coming out, Tien was financially independent and had a fulfilling family life, which made her transition smoother. Her polished appearance also played a key role. Tien believes her refined look has helped family and friends accept her more easily.

She plans to undergo gender-affirming surgery soon, hoping the process will be as smooth as her journey so far, leading to a happy ending.

Thanh Minh